hi ,my name is Dilshat .I'm boy.
From Xingjiang,China.
I'm Uyghur.
I speak English ,Chinese,Turkish and Uyghurish.
:)
Now,I do my job in QingDao ,ShanDong ,China.

Kevin, God bless you for your courageous work and dedication to the public. It is so important that we at home get news of our troops, our heros. Thank you for risking your life for us. Please tell the troops there with you that America is still praying for them, their safe return home, and for the people of Iraq. Let them know that we still support them and the cause for which they were sent there.

Edited by author 05-04-2003 06:44 PM
Dear Kevin:

Saw you on TV in Aphganistan. My parents sent us a big article on you that was in the Star Beacon. Congrat-
ulations on your successful career!!!

Stay safe- maybe we'll see you at the next reunion.

Hello,I am Behtsultan,from Xinjiang,China.My major is Psychology.I like it very much.I don't know say what more^_^

Edited by author 04-09-2003 04:56 AM
Pity a media organisation has no guts for freedom of speech! Censorship is the main problem in the Cable News networks. We need to hear ALL sides now that it appears reporters are fair game!

What is friendly about 'Friendly fire' and why so much from US forces?
http://www.msnusers.com/GreenbacksSoapbox/

Very interesting stuff! Has anyone else noticed there isn't any dust around the bottom of the barrels that are being investigated for chemicals? Seems a bit odd to me. See:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...0407/161/3qg3k.html

#29 Is that the same Kevin we are all refereing too. Doing a good job. Your fiance is even getting in on the blog you have going . be safe you are awsome and be careful too

I find alot of the discussion between you people very enlightening. I also think the sandstorms have got a story, and yes, I do believe in our ''High Power"' and it is definitely not Bush,Blair,or Saddam Hussein.I wish Bush would take proper notice of his Bible teachings.

It is really scary, there is a helpless feeling and Im actually feeling guilty for the bubble baths beautiful calif weather and all those men & women reporters etc.. living life in such a different way. I sure hope this war ends soon life just doesnt seem the same right now. I am on the edge of my seat contantly wondering what is next. God bless america

Kevin I am worried about you . Hope to hear more reporting from you .You are the best & cutest reporter on cnn. tAKE CARE Donna

Faza. You know i had the same feeling you were having?
When i saw those sandstorms taking place I was remembering mystical pieces taken from almost every religion in the world, when strange things happen with the nature in certain situations to protect people from violence and death or as symbols of big changes comming.
Anyway, always when death is involved, God is appearing in our thoughts more often, because we try to find something beyond and higher than the human power to keep on feeling hopefull.
As for CNN, I really never thought they were against the basic principle of freedom. They probably can censor people of their own network, but internet can never be censored when it is the present biggest way of communication in the world.

Kevin, You are doing a fantastic job. I am really disappointed that the site is down. I just found it, and it seems to be a good place to go for updated information. BE SAFE!

As for sandstorms from God, didn't Iraq have sandstorms before the war? c'mon now.

Kevin Im glad to see you are covering this unreal story, and how it feels to be there so close to the action. take care was glad to see you again on the news. tuna & tabasco that will thrash your stomach. Try tea & crackers alittle easier on the stomach. be safe and looking forward to seeing you again when you cover this story. I have been clued to the coverage. Take care Donna

Edited by author 03-26-2003 10:18 AM
Peace on the Earth!!!

sandstorms in baghdad.......is GOD telling us something about this war?

Sandstorms in baghdad......isnt it just an irony that this happens when the american troop are just outside the town....signs from GOD???!!!

Zeynep, I too would like to thank you for your point of view. The news we get here (I live in Oregon, USA) is so one sided I just cannot watch it anymore. I spend my time searching out people like you, people who are actually living through this. I have been reading a blog by Salam in baghdad which has been very "real" and enlightening...again thanks and stay safe. And to Kevin, where are you? I hope all is OK?

Where are you Kevin? Is everything ok?

I am having such a difficult time accepting what is going on around us. Constant news flashes of bombings, deaths. What is happening? What is going to happen next?
I am so worried about the aftermath. What if America does overthrow Saddam, kill him, whatever. Then what? As if they will let the Iraqis "benefit from their oil resources like they have always deserved", as Tony Blair was preaching earlier this morning. As if everything will end with Saddam. Then terrorist activity accusations will be thrown at Iran, Jordan, Syria, and it will be decided to move into those countries. Palestine will of course be terribly harmed by the development of a pseudo-American presence in the Middle East. Turkey will be at war with American-supported Kurdish terrorists. Or what if this war becomes a second Vietnam? What if nothing the US has planned is accomplished and all we have to show our grandchildren are great deaths and waste of one our most valuable resources, petrol.

CNN posts news that us ambassadors urged to leave Turkey -"In other developments, the U.S. State Department authorized the departure of family members and non-essential U.S. personnel from the embassy and consulates in Turkey.
Under an authorized departure, which is voluntary, the U.S. government will pay travel expenses for those who want to leave.
The decision covers employees at all U.S. posts in the country, including the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul and U.S. consulates in Adana and Izmir. All facilities remain open to the public.
A travel warning issued Wednesday urged U.S. citizens to leave the country. "

Zeynep - I just want to say that having been a dependent of the military and seen many countries while growing up - No matter what a government (even mine) says, there are always two sides to every coin. I hope for a world without ethnic/religious/male-female prejudice and lots of peace with no weapons needed. But it is difficult if not seemingly impossible.
I am just glad to know that even though there are reports of negative coming from Turkey, there you are a very postive person to have met. I just hope for my sake that the US/UK is really only interested in exposing and destroying the weapons of mass destruction in Iraq or else I will feel really embarrassed for myself, my children and my country.

Kevin,
I happened to stumble onto this blog just now and I must tell you that you are doing a great job! Cant even begin to imagine the conditions out there, but do stay safe!
God Bless.

Good luck to you and your family Zeynep.

Why didn't people leave earlier? I'm just curious...I'm thinking I would have made plans to leave at least by one day of the deadline given to Saddam.

US special forces in N Iraq, Iraq conscripts apparently surrendering in S, central bagdad empty

Goodness. There is a war looming - in fact - may have already begun this moment and here we are in this peaceful forum lashing away. Or perhaps I am lashing away a litte. I want to apologise to all readers (and other contributers) for my harshness. My parents are currently in Bahrain, my uncle in southeastern Turkey, my brother in New York, and myself in Istanbul. My nerves are a wreck. I'm sorry. Let's just send our positive energy to those in Iraq and pray for a fast, healthy resolution. All the best.

Kawan: I don't consider anything that you wrote as substantial, or even remotely close to factual, so prefer not to continue further discussion with you. Although, I do recommend that you read a little more about Turkey before making such outlandish remarks.

As a Turk, living in Turkey, side by side with Kurdish people for as long as I can remember, I cannot agree with your weariness about Turkish motives. Kurdish people are very much integrated within Turkish society - some of our country's favorite musicians (even politicians) are of Kurdish descent. The Armenian issue raises much controversy, and has in fact, I believe, been distorted and manipulised to great extent. The problems in treatment towards Kurds only involve terrorism activity caused by the PKK (Kurdish terrorist group), and Turkey's efforts to protect its people. For America, it is easy to fight Saddam Hussein and his regime, it is easy to be caught up in the ideals of saving Iraq and knowing what is best for its people. America is so far away. Iraq is our neighbor - when deciding whether or not to participate in this war, there are many factors that we have to consider. Turkey's main problem is that sending troops into Iraq wasn't considered, or rather that there was no political framework set regarding Northern Iraq and the potential effect that such a war or movement would have on Turkey. I do not agree with discrimination of, or the assault on, any people - especially those within my country. I am sure that America, England, France and many other countries all have the same interests in Northern Iraq - why is the same argument not applied in the case of Turkey? Why are all other countries portrayed as only trying to help Kurdish people form a land and government of their own, while the Turks seemingly "maliciously" try to protect their own land?

Edited by author 03-19-2003 07:35 AM
To Zeynep.

The Turks get paranoia to just even hear the name "Kurd". (Itīs probably the most taboo word in the Turkish language) They donīt call the Kurds in Turky or Iraq for Kurds, or name of the area for Kurdistan (they opposed and critsied when an Iranian airline wanted to call one of ther planes for Kurdistan), they refeer to them as Iraqis and the Area as northern Iraq.
 I donīt undrestand that such a paranoia ---- I mean Iraqi Kurdistan have borders with Iran and Syria, these countries havnīt threathend to do such a thing. (in fact more Kurdish refuges entered Iran then into Turkey during the Gulf ware) --- Why is it only Turky that wants to invade Iraqi Kurdistan?
  Turky wants influnce for for the Iraqi Turkemans in the upcoming new govermnet after the ware ( Today they have the same rights and freedom as other "Iraqi kurdistani" (shia Kurds (feyli), Kelldani /Ashuri and Yezidi) to study in their own language, they have their own TV channel, and their own political parties, while the kurdish minority in Turkey arenīt even allowed to study in theri own tongue --- For good sake they were not even allowed to speak kurdish for just some years ago...Talk about dubbel standard and once again paranoia, ... I mean itīs so ludicrous when your hear the Turkish argumest ; they want to advocate democracy and equality for Tukemes while they are really treating their own minority virtullay like SHIT,,,
The Turkish republic have destroIed the Kurds selfesteem by forbidding their language for some generation.

Why do you the kurds say: we want rather to be under Saddams govern then the Turks... I want you to consider over this a bit. Why dose the Kurds disapprove the Turks so much..
 How can Turkey have nervs to talk about democracy and human right concering their own human rights violation record.

Zeynep: There is no state of Kurdistan currently, but there is certainly a region of northern Iraq and eastern Turkey that is commonly referred to as Kurdistan. If all Turkey wants to do is protect its own borders and shelter and take care of refugees, that's great, but some people are a little wary of Turkey's motives, given its behavior towards the Kurds inside Turkey, and also its past dealings with others in the region (e.g., Armenians). Why does Turkey need to send troops into Iraq, as they have been planning to do, in order to protect its border, if it's not going to fight Saddam Hussein and his regime?

to Sandra: Turkish troops are not trying to claim "Kurdistan for themselves." I would just like to remind you that there actually is no Kurdistan, as your geography does seem a little shaky :) Turkish troops are only trying to protect their borders. American troops are "supposedly" not even ALLOWING Turkish troops into Northern Iraq. So no need to fret.

Thank you Kevin, for posting such a forum for your readers. Keep safe.

The Kurds are fleeing to Turkey where they are being welcomed with food and shelter. I think this is important to note, given the incredible bad press that Turkey gets regarding her "treatment" towards Kurdish people.

Your reports have become very important in this household. We are very concern for the Kurdish people.Thanks for bringing the real story.

This is the first time I have listened to one of your entries and I think it is wonderful. It is nice to know what is going on over in Iraq since we are about to attack. Stay safe over there and God bless!

Kevin,
Can't tell you how much we appreciate this effort on your part. Thanks for bringing it home. You're in our prayers. Stay safe.

Thank you for your reports. I'm not sure if we are doing the right thing with this war, but we need to know what is really happening minute by minute. In addition, we all need to support our troops and the president. How many of us sitting here in the USA would want to be walking in their shoes? I remember Viet Nam and the protests. My husband was in the 3rd Marine Division and fought there. He did his duty and didn't defect to Canada and was spit on. Don't let this happen again!!

From what I understand, the Kurds are fleeing because they fear that Saddam will bomb them again more than they fear the American invasion. At least that is how the AP is reporting it.

Kevin:
Keep observing and writing for us. This is very valuable stuff for those of us who are following closely what is going on. Resist the Geraldo syndrome and keep your head down.

Martijn,

I am not sure about the US/UK' tactics, but I don't think they're gonna bomb the whole country. I suppose they just bomb what seems to be vital for Saddam's army and head on to Bagdad afterwards.

Gr, Herman (another Dutchy)
ps. I am also against the war, whatever the Dutch government says!
pps. Kevin: I discovered your site today and think it's a great thing that you do this, even though I am not that keen on CNN.

Thank you for the great reports! I read your blogs - I don't feel that we are getting the full story from our government about what is happening in Iraq. I am one of those Americans who wonder if war is really the solution.

I admire what you are doing, keep up the good work, and as so many others have said - keep your head down!

Paula from Texas

Hello,

Do we realy need War now to solve the Saddam problem?
Why dont they just go for him instead off bombing the whole country.
and who is next?
and what could you do with all that money iff you dont have a war ?
in holland we dont know

Or is it Diyala? *confused*

I realize that the primary sentiment now is to run for cover. Are you being threatened while existing with those who are about to be attacked, just because of your Western nature and employer? Are reporters being seen as observers, liberators, or as another of the enemy?

Very strange situation. It seems, from this great distance, that there are at least two Iraqs, if not more - the military/governmental Iraq, and the one where people actually live and love and die. How engaged are the latter people in the defense of their government?

Thank you for being in harm's way to report these things to us. May you evade those who would harm you, as well as those who would censor your words and observations.
Keep your head down.

-metropolitan

Your post brings a few things to mind. First, Where is Kifri / Kalar? I'm thinking Kirkuk? How way-off am I? *Northern Iraq* is quite a broad term of definition!

Secondly, I was wondering if you had any thoughts about the Turkish troops that are (supposedly) in Kurdish areas of Iraq. Are there any hints that they might want to take advantage of the Iraqi war and claim the Kurdistan for themselves?

Keeping you in my thoughts, S

Fear is palpable here in the U.S., as well. Since 911, the notion that war is "over there" and can't touch us here and that we are protected is gone. Whether our fear originates from media hype or from a real sense of danger does not matter. Every family member and friend I talked to yesterday after the President's speech expressed fear and ruminations of this being the beginning of a new kind of global war. We are connected globally now more than ever before in history. My heart and prayers are with the people of Iraq, as well as all people who will feel the ripple effect of the coming war.

A Roa, Snoqualmie, Washigton

Just discovered your site...what a treasure....looking forward to reading your daily entires. Be safe.

Kevin,

I'm curious to know what the Kurds make of our history-repeating back-stabbing efforts to "negotiate" with Turkey to let us launch the northern front of the war from their country and give the Turks access to Kurdish Iraqui territory in exchange for billions of US taxpayer dollars. Does the average Iraqui Kurd know of this deal ? Have you as a journalist ever experienced the kind of censorship as expressed by the many print and electronic journalists whose stories appear in the new book, "Into the Buzzsaw" ?

Please stay safe and keep up the good reporting>

Herb Moyer
Exeter, New Hampshire USA
herb@multimedsys.com

As a college journalism student, I find your blog a refreshing break from the standard drone of foreign correspondents on TV and in newspapers. I only wish everyone in the United States bothered to read and stay informed about this impending war. Your work inspires me to learn all that I can now to be able to inform even the fraction that pays attention.

All I can think of is Max Headroom ("Five minutes into the future") reporting live from (anywhere). Instant, global publishing/broadcasting...that anybody (sort of) can do. Thanks for doing this.

Hey. Thank you for doing this. It makes the whole situation so immediate.

We'll keep reading you and thinking about what we can do.

Keep safe,

kassandra in cyburbia